Police chief bans mass rally outside Constitutional Court building

"I do not want this to recur. Our goodwill and my discretion should not be misused. Hence, I bar all rallies that will hinder public order," he noted here on Tuesday.

Police has banned mass rallying outside the Constitutional Court (MK) building during the court's Consultative Meeting of Judges before it gives a ruling on the presidential election dispute, Indonesian Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian emphasized.

Karnavian drew reference to the May 21-22 rally outside the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) that took a violent turn and claimed several lives.

"I do not want this to recur. Our goodwill and my discretion should not be misused. Hence, I bar all rallies that will hinder public order," he noted here on Tuesday.

The police chief admitted to receiving information that the presidential candidate pair Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno had appealed to supporters to not hold any event in front of the MK.

The ban on rally outside the MK building is in accordance with article 6 of Law No. 9 of 1998 on presenting opinions in public.

"Article 6 of the law has stipulated five issues that will be barred, including those that affect public order, impinge upon other people's rights, and the obligation to maintain the nation's unity," Karnavian elaborated.

The police has coordinated with the Indonesian military (TNI) to deploy at least 45 thousand security personnel around the MK building and close access to roads around the area.

"Mass rally that runs counter to the public's interest will be dispersed," Karnavian affirmed.

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